Increasing risk of a tropical cyclone developing this weekend

North Queensland is on high alert with an increasing risk of a cyclone developing.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Tropical Cyclone Outlook for the Coral Sea will be increased from a Low to Moderate (20-50%) chance of development on Saturday.

Queensland Regional Director Bruce Gunn said a low-pressure system southeast of Papua New Guinea is forecast to develop, drifting slowly southwest.

"While it may have been a slow start to season, February and March are the peak months for tropical cyclone activity in the Eastern Region and Coral Sea, with conditions becoming more favourable for development from Saturday onwards," said Mr Gunn.

"It's too early to speculate about the cyclone's intensity, forecast path and where it will make landfall, however we will get a clearer picture in the coming days.

"Communities in North Queensland should begin their preparations now, stay tuned for the latest official forecasts and warnings from the Bureau and follow the advice of local emergency services."

There have been three tropical cyclones already this season, Yvette in December, Alfred in February, Blanche in March. Cyclone Caleb formed in the Indian Ocean near the Cocos Islands today (23 March 2017). The next name on the cyclone list is #CycloneDebbie.

The last tropical cyclone to cross the Queensland coast was Tropical Cyclone Nathan which crossed near Cape Flattery, north of Cooktown (20 March, 2015) as a Category 4 system.

The Bureau’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Brisbane operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with forecasters monitoring the situation and providing the latest information for emergency services, media and the community.

Follow us on Twitter @BOM_Qld and remember www.bom.gov.au remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive official source of information.